The MIT Media Lab worked with the World Economic Forum to curate the Strategic Intelligence Map on Space—an interactive visual framework designed to connect the dots between global trends, technologies, and policy priorities shaping the future of space.

Curated by Dr. Minoo Rathnasabapathy and Professor Dava Newman, the map draws on the insights of experts from the Forum’s global network. It highlights how space technologies intersect with other critical global issues—from climate resilience and cybersecurity to economic development and international cooperation.

The Strategic Intelligence platform was developed by the World Economic Forum to help decision-makers navigate complex systems by providing a clear, interconnected view of emerging forces and their relationships. Each node on the Space map is supported by curated briefings, dynamic updates, and expert perspectives.

Space is no longer a niche sector—it is becoming a core pillar of the global economy. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Space Economy report, developed in collaboration with McKinsey & Company, forecasts the space economy to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035. This growth is fueled by technological advancements, increased participation from emerging space nations, and a surge in commercial activity.

Today, space technologies underpin vital services we often take for granted—satellite navigation, global communications, and real-time climate monitoring. As the industry evolves, so too does the need for coherent and inclusive space governance that ensures sustainable and secure use of the space environment for generations to come.

By contributing to the Strategic Intelligence Map on Space, the MIT Media Lab brings a systems-thinking lens to the global space conversation—illuminating the linkages between innovation, policy, sustainability, and human-centered exploration. 

Link to Strategic Intelligence Map: Space